Baloch & Balochistan

Balochs are estimated at about five million inhabitants in the province of Balochistān in Pakistan and also neighbouring areas of Iran and Afghanistan. In Pakistan the Baloch people are divided into two groups, the Sulaimani and the Makrani, separated from each other by a compact block of Brahui tribes.

The original Baloch homeland probably lay on the Iranian plateau. The Baloch were mentioned in Arabic chronicles of the 10th century ce. The old tribal organization is best preserved among those inhabiting the Sulaimān Mountains. Each tribe (tuman) consists of several clans and acknowledges one chief, even though in some tuman there are clans in habitual opposition to the chief.

The province of Balochistan in Pakistan is the largest by geographical area. It contains most of historical Balochistan.
Balochistan is believed to be rich in mineral resources. It is also a major supplier of natural gas to the country.